All the Financial and Retail Advice You Need from David Koch

If you are looking for retail or financial or career advice from a successful person, then the well-known David James Koch is an ideal person to look up to. Here are reasons why. David Koch, also known as Kochie by his fans, is the co-anchor of the most popular Channel Seven breakfast show – ‘Sunrise.’ He is also the host of the news program “Kochie’s Business Builders”, a package offering not only opinions but also latest updates on starting a small business or start-up. What’s even more justifiable is that the show is produced by his very own company ‘Pinstripe Media’. Koch is also a regular column writer for several leading finance and retail magazines and newspapers as well. If you are convinced with his career experience, scroll ahead to find his best career and financial advice to aspiring businessmen and young adults.

Don’t Let the Opportunities Go

When Koch was working at Sunrise Network as a finance editor, he came across an opportunity to become a host. He was happy for that. It seems that he keeps asking himself: “How on earth did a finance journalist end up hosting Sunrise?” And he answers that he has always been an opportunist and whatever he is today is all because of the dedication and commitment that he had put in.

Self-Belief Is the Key to Success

“Always have enough confidence in yourself to give anything a go. But also have enough confidence, if it doesn’t work out, to go and do something else.” That’s the single best bit of advice I’ve ever received, and I’ve tried to follow it to the letter. It came from my father, and I’m trying to pass it down to my children. In essence, it means never be scared of an opportunity. Grab it, give it your best shot, and if it doesn’t work out, then move on to something else. But never be left wondering ‘what if?’

Be Unique in Everything You Do

When I was a young, ambitious 25-year-old journalist, I looked around at all the finance media icons to see what I could learn and how I could be as good. They were all highly skilled with great contacts and much older than I was.

So I looked for what could be the next big thing in finance journalism, something so new and different than the usual rules wouldn’t apply and age wouldn’t matter.

I’d seen the boom in personal finance media in the US while visiting my parents, who were living in San Francisco at the time. So I decided to do the same thing in Australia. I think the key in any career is to look around and find an in-demand specialty where you can develop a unique set of skills that can set you apart from the rest.

Gauge Your Job Category

The economy and technology have dramatically changed the working landscape. Tens of thousands of positions have been made redundant and some jobs have disappeared altogether — including many jobs in print media, where I started out. If you’re in a large company, the first step is to look for the right department and job. Ignore the gossip and check with the personnel department to see which divisions are hiring. Internal transfers usually receive preference. Ask department heads about their long-range plans, and scan trade magazines or websites to learn which parts of your industry are expanding.

Be Optimistic

Every New Year I ask Libby and the kids what goals they’ve set for themselves for the next 12 months. For years they’d laugh at me. As they got older, there were fewer laughs and even a couple of answers.

Life’s so busy these days that we don’t seem to take a deep breath, stop and think about what we want to do as individuals. But if you don’t have some sort of map, how do you know where you want to get to?

Don’t Look Back

I’ve always vowed I’d never depend on radio or television for a living. While they’re great jobs, in some ways they’re horrible industries to be in because they’re so cutthroat and volatile. When you have a single income, a couple of kids and a mortgage, that volatility is unacceptable. So I’ve always worked other jobs on the side because I don’t want to put the family at risk.

That little stash of cash from a second job gives you a fall-back position for when things go wrong and flexibility.

Slightly Underrate Yourself

There’s no doubt money is important. Being paid what your worth is important. But it isn’t the be all and end all. My top priority has always been to be in a job I love and then be paid appropriately for doing it. I’ve always thought it’s better to be happy to be paid a little below what your worth and keep your job than push for every last dollar and run the risk of being let go at the next downturn.

Developing Your Entity Is Important

Branding is important for every organization. The same is applicable for your career as well. Do what best you can at work and build up your reputation at workplace. Take up responsibilities in your company even if it is not a part of your daily work. For instance, it could be anything from helping a committee to being a first-aid representative. This can help you develop your personal brand.

Find a Good Mentor

If you are able to find a good mentor, it can be a great value addition to your life. As youngsters, you would definitely need someone who can guide you through the right path after graduation. A well-experienced mentor, who is successful in life, would be able to do that.

Bringing together his strong passion for AFL and his commercial credentials, Kochie was selected to be the Chairman of Port Adelaide Football Club in 2012. You will be glad to know that he has also sold best-selling collections worldwide on “Dad Jokes” as well. He has also played a key role as Chairman to improve their profitably and their capacity to get points on the board as well. He is not just a TV host for you anymore, isn’t he? Hopefully his success mantra helps you get a hold in your success life as well.